Do You Know How To Use Your Weapon?
In this message based on Ephesians 6:10-18, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and utilizing the spiritual armor that God provides for believers. He begins by reminding the congregation that the Christian life is often compared to a war, drawing from various scriptures that highlight the nature of spiritual battles. In this war, all Christians are enlisted as soldiers and commanded to be strong, protect themselves, and stand firm against evil.
The key question posed throughout the sermon is, “Do you know how to use your weapon?” The speaker challenges believers to examine whether they are effectively using the spiritual tools God has provided for engaging in the ongoing spiritual battle.
Breaking down Ephesians 6, the speaker explains each piece of the armor of God:
1. Loins girded with truth – This belt represents the foundational truth of God’s Word, holding everything together. Without a solid foundation in the truth, believers are vulnerable.
2. Breastplate of righteousness – Doing what is right protects the heart and conscience, allowing believers to stand firm even when falsely accused or attacked.
3. Feet shod with the gospel of peace – Christians are called to be ready to share the gospel, symbolized by sturdy shoes that equip them to go out into the world.
4. Shield of faith – Faith acts as a shield, quenching the fiery darts of the enemy. The stronger one’s faith, the larger and more effective the shield.
5. Helmet of salvation – The mind is crucial in spiritual warfare. If the enemy can infiltrate a believer’s thoughts, it can lead to defeat. The helmet protects the mind, allowing believers to focus on their salvation.
6. Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) – The Word of God is the only offensive weapon, and it is vital for defense and attack against spiritual enemies. The speaker highlights how Jesus used scripture to counter Satan’s temptations in Matthew 4.
The speaker also emphasizes that prayer is the key to using all the armor effectively. While the armor protects and equips believers, the true action in spiritual warfare happens through prayer. He notes that verse 18 of Ephesians 6 begins with a colon, signifying that prayer is how the armor is applied in battle. Praying always, with all kinds of prayer and supplication, is how believers fight spiritual battles—not just by wielding the sword of the Spirit, but by engaging God in constant communication.
In conclusion, the speaker stresses the importance of praying for others, drawing from Acts 12, where the church’s prayers resulted in Peter’s release from prison. He encourages the congregation to pray for their families, their church, and their leaders because the spiritual war cannot be fought alone.
The message calls Christians to take their role as spiritual warriors seriously, ensuring they are equipped with the full armor of God and using prayer as their most powerful weapon.